NASNTI Application

Native American-serving Nontribal Institutions Program

NASNTI Application 4.26.2010

Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI)

OMB: 1840-0816

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Office of Postsecondary Education

Washington, DC 20006-8513







Fiscal Year 2010


APPLICATION FOR GRANTS UNDER THE



Native American-serving Nontribal Institutions Program

84.031X



Form Approved: OMB No. 1840-,

CLOSING DATE: --, --, 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Dear Applicant Letter 1


Competition Highlights 3


E-Application Submission Procedures and Tips 7


Application Transmittal Instructions 11


Definitions 13


Supplemental Information 14


Program Narrative Instructions 17


Notice Inviting Applications 22


Authorizing Legislation 50


Program Statue 51


Executive Order 12372—Intergovernmental Review 64


General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) Section 427 65


Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) 66


Instructions for Completing the Application 68


Instruction Standard Forms 70


Program Profile 71


Application Checklist 74


Paperwork Burden Statement 75


Instructions for the SF 424 76


Instructions for the SF 524 83


Certification Regarding Lobbying 84

Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants 85


Instructions for Completion of SF-LLL, Disclosure of

Lobbying Activities SF 524 86







Dear Applicant:

 

Thank you for your interest in applying for a grant under the Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI) Program authorized under Title III, Part A, Section 319 (84.031X); and Part F, Section 371 (84.382C) of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, as amended.


The NASNTI Program provides grants and related assistance to Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions to enable these institutions to improve and expand their capacity to serve Native Americans and low-income individuals by increasing their self-sufficiency in improving academic programs, institutional management and fiscal stability.


To qualify for this program, an institution of higher education must: be an eligible institution under section 312 (b) of the HEA, must have an enrollment of undergraduate students that is at least 10 percent Native American at the time of application for a grant and not be a Tribal College or University under section 316 of the HEA.


For fiscal year (FY) 2010 there are six invitational priorities for this program.  We are particularly interested in applications that address these priorities, however, under 34 CFR 75.105 (c) (1) we do not give an application that meets these invitational priorities a competitive or absolute preference over other applications. These priorities are:  1) Develop programs that meet the unique educational and culturally-related academic needs of Native Americans, particularly in the area of language preservation. 2) Work with Native American tribes to develop programs that meet the unique academic and cultural needs of Native American students. 3)  Support activities that will improve the institution’s persistence and graduation rates; 4) Work with the appropriate state agencies to develop strategies for using state longitudinal data systems to track outcomes for students attending the grantee institution, including the extent to which the students complete certificates, two-year degrees, and four-year degrees at other institutions; 5) Develop academic programs to improve completions rates or develop innovation support programs that are designed to increase completion rates; and, 6) Develop dual enrollment programs or career pathways programs that integrate basic academic instruction with technical or professional occupational training to advance individuals, particularly adult learners, on a career path toward high-wage occupations in high-demand industries.


For FY 2010 the NASNTI Program received $3.6 million in discretionary funding under Title III, Part A, Section 319 of the HEA and an additional $5 million in mandatory funding under Title III, Part F, Section 371. Applicants should refer to Title III, Part A and Part F for the allowable activities.


To receive a grant under the NASNTI program, an institution of higher education must have applied for and received designation as an eligible institution. The notice inviting FY 2010 applications to Request Designation As An Eligible Institution was published in the Federal Register on

December 7, 2009. The deadline date for receipt of that application was January 6, 2010.


Applications for grants under the NASNTI Program, for the FY 2010 grant competition, must be submitted electronically using e-Application, which is accessible through the Department’s e-Grants system. A detailed description of this internet-based system is included in this application package. You are urged to acquaint yourself with the requirements of this system early. You may access

e-Grants through its portal page at:


http://e-grants.ed.gov

 

For information (including dates and times) about how to submit your application electronically, please refer to the official Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for FY 2010 published in the Federal Register. The Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards and application instructions are included in this package.




In addition, the applicant is also required to submit a five-year plan to be included for improving the assistance provided by the Native American-serving Nontribal Institution to Native Americans and low-income individuals; and any other information and assurances the Secretary may reasonably require.


You are reminded that you should not rely upon any information that is inconsistent with the guidance contained within this application package. I urge you to carefully read all the information contained in this package, including the eligibility requirements found in the HEA, as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), the Program Statute, and the competition highlights, before preparing your application.


This package contains the necessary forms and instructions to apply for a FY 2010 grant under this program.


If you have questions, please contact LaTonya Brown, Program Officer at 202-502-7619 or Darlene Collins, Team Leader at 202-502-7576.


 Sincerely,

 

 

 

Alan J. Schiff

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary

Higher Education Programs




COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS

 

  1. NASNTI applications submitted for fiscal year (FY) 2010 must be submitted electronically using e-Application, accessible through the Department’s e-Grants web site at: http://e-grants.ed.gov. You are urged to acquaint yourself with the requirements of e-Grants early. A more thorough discussion about e-Grants and e-Application is included later in this application package.


  1. There are six invitational priorities for this program for FY 2010.  We are particularly interested in applications that address these priorities, however, under 34 CFR 75.105 (c) (1) we do not give an application that meets these invitational priorities a competitive or absolute preference over other applications. These priorities are:  1) Develop programs that meet the unique educational and culturally-related academic needs of Native Americans, particularly in the area of language preservation; 2) Work with Native American tribes to develop programs that meet the unique academic and cultural needs of Native American students; 3)  Support activities that will improve the institution’s persistence and graduation rates; 4) Work with the appropriate state agencies to develop strategies for using state longitudinal data systems to track outcomes for students attending the grantee institution, including the extent to which the students complete certificates, two-year degrees, and four-year degrees at other institutions; 5) Develop academic programs to improve completions rates or develop innovation support programs that are designed to increase completion rates; and, 6) Develop dual enrollment programs or career pathways programs that integrate basic academic instruction with technical or professional occupational training to advance individuals, particularly adult learners, on a career path toward high-wage occupations in high-demand industries.


  1. Applications submitted late will not be accepted. The application must be received on or before the deadline date and time. Late applications will not be accepted. We suggest that you submit your application several days before the deadline. The Department is required to enforce the established deadline to ensure fairness to all applicants. No changes or additions to an application will be accepted after the deadline date.


  1. Applicants must follow specific formatting requirements. A “page” is 8.5” x 11”, on one side only, with 1” margins at the top, bottom, and both sides. Page numbers and an identifier may be within the 1” margin. Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the application narrative, except titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, captions and all text in charts, tables, and graphs. Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial. Applications submitted in any other font (including Times Roman and Arial Narrow) will be rejected. Do not use less than a 12-point font.


  1. Applicants are required to submit a Program Abstract. The Project Abstract is limited to a one-page single-spaced document in word format only and no charts. The abstract must include the name of the institution, city, and purpose. The abstract must be uploaded into the “Program Narrative Abstract Form” in the e-Application system.


  1. Applicants are required to complete a program profile form. Applicants are asked to carefully read question #5 on the Program Profile, and check the box or place an “X” next to the box certifying that they will comply with the statutory requirements and program assurances cited in the applicable regulations. Upon completion of the program profile sheet, you are required to copy and paste the Program Profile Form into a separate document or recreate the form exactly as it appears, and attach the form to the “Program Narrative Profile Form” in e-Application as a .doc, .rtf, or .pdf document.


  1. Applicants must complete the Activity Budget Detail Form. Applicants are required to copy and paste the Budget Detail Form into a separate document or recreate the form exactly as it appears and attach it to the Program Narrative Budget in e-Application as a .doc, .rtf, or .pdf document.


  1. Applicants must adhere to the page limit requirements. All applicants are required to adhere to the page limit for the Project Narrative portion of the application. You must limit the section of the narrative that addresses the selection criteria to no more than 50 pages for the Individual Development Grant application and 70 pages for the Cooperative Arrangement Grant application.


Note: Cooperative Arrangement Grants – Only Applies to Title III, Part A Applicants.


  1. Applicants must follow specific submission procedures. Included in this application package is a document containing submission procedures to ensure your application is received in a timely and acceptable manner. Consult and follow the Federal Register notice to ensure proper guidance for application submission. Exceptions to the electronic submission requirement are also outlined in the Federal Register notice. The Department is required to enforce the established deadline in order to ensure fairness to all applicants.


  1. The NASNTI Program provides grants and related assistance to Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions to enable these institutions to improve and expand their capacity to serve Native Americans and low-income individuals by increasing their self-sufficiency in improving academic programs, institutional management and fiscal stability.


  1. Title III Part A. Effective August 14, 2008, the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), which reauthorized the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), established the Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions Program:


SEC. 306. Native American-serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI) Part A of Title III (20 U.S.C. 1057 et seq.) is amended by adding after section 318 (as added by section 305 of this Act) the following:


SEC. 319. Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions, authorizes five-year competitive grants to eligible institutions of higher education as defined under Section 312(b) of the HEA that have, at the time of application, an enrollment of undergraduate students that is not less than 10 percent Native American students; and are not a Tribal College or University (as defined in Section 316 of the HEA). (A) Eligibility--No Native American-serving, Nontribal Institution that receives funds under this section shall concurrently receive funds under any other provision of this Part, Part B, or Part A of Title V. (B) Exemption--Section 313(d) shall not apply to institutions that are eligible to receive funds under this section.


Note: The exemption under Section 313(d) states that Institutions receiving grants under this part are exempted from the two-year wait-out requirement. Therefore, those applicants are eligible to apply for a new grant after their five-year grant period expires. (See Program Statue)


The allowable activities under Title III, Part A, Section 319 include:


  • the purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including instructional and research purposes;

  • renovation and improvement in classroom, library, laboratory, and other instructional facilities;

  • support of faculty exchanges, faculty development, and faculty fellowships to assist faculty in attaining advanced degrees in the faculty’s field of instruction;

  • curriculum development and academic instruction;

  • the purchase of library books, periodicals, microfilm, and other educational materials;

  • funds and administrative management, and acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds management;

  • the joint use of facilities such as laboratories and libraries;

  • academic tutoring and counseling programs and student support services; and

  • education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students or the students’ families.


  1. Title III, Part F. Effective March 2010, under Title III, Part F, Section 371, of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, as amended; the NASNTI Program received an additional

$5 million in mandatory funding.


The allowable activities under Title III, Part F, Section 371 include:

  • the purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including instructional and research purposes;

  • renovation and improvement in classroom, library, laboratory, and other instructional facilities;

  • support of faculty exchanges, faculty development, and faculty fellowships to assist faculty in attaining advanced degrees in the faculty’s field of instruction;

  • curriculum development and academic instruction;

  • the purchase of library books, periodicals, microfilm, and other educational materials;

  • funds and administrative management, and acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds management;

  • the joint use of facilities such as laboratories and libraries; and

  • academic tutoring and counseling programs and student support services.


In addition, the Secretary, to the extent possible and consistent with a competitive process under which such grants are awarded, allocates funds under this clause to ensure maximum and equitable distribution among all such eligible institutions.


NOTE: Construction and maintenance is not an allowable activity under the NASNTI Program.


  1. Applicants must submit a five-year plan. A five-year plan should be included for improving the assistance provided by the Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution to Native Americans and low-income individuals; and any other information and assurances the Secretary may reasonably require.




You are reminded that the document published in the Federal Register is the official document and that you should not rely upon any information that is inconsistent with the guidance contained within the official document.

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ FIRST


U.S. Department of Education

e-Application Submission Procedures and Tips for Applicants



http://e-grants.ed.gov


To facilitate your use of e-Application, this document includes important application preparation and submission procedures you need to be aware of to ensure your application is received in a timely manner and accepted by the Department of Education. Please read and follow these step-by-step directions to create and submit your application.


ATTENTION

Applicants using the Department of Education's e-Application system will need to register first to access an application package. Forms in an application package are completed on line and narratives are uploaded while logged into the system. Therefore, allow sufficient time to complete your application before the closing date. If you have not used e-Application in the past, you may want to walk through the Demo available on the e-Application homepage. If you encounter difficulties, you may also contact the e-Grants helpdesk on 1-888-336-8930. The following are steps you should follow to successfully complete an application with e-Application.


Step 1 – Determine if your program is accepting electronic applications. The Federal Register Notice of each program will indicate whether the program is accepting e-Applications as part of the Department's e-Application program. Here is a link to the Department's Federal Register notices: http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister/announce/index.html. Additional information on the Department of Education's grant programs can be found at http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocfo/grants/grants.html.

Step 2 – Register in e-Application to access the application package. If you are a new user, you will need to register to use e-Application. From the e-Grants Portal Page http://e-grants.ed.gov/, click on the continue button and click the register button on the right side of the next page. Select the e-Application module and click the next button. Please provide the requested information. Your e-Grants password will be sent to the e-mail address you provide. Once you receive the e-mail, enter your username and password and click the login button.

If you are a registered user and already have a username and password for e-Grants, use them to login. If you have access to more than one e-Grants module, you will be directed to select which module you wish to enter. Keep in mind that this username and password will be used for all e-Grants modules. In order to update your registration for additional e-Grants modules, click the appropriate tab on the top of the screen and provide the requested information.

Note the following browser compatibility problems. The site is viewed best in Internet Explorer 5. We currently support IE 5, Netscape 6.2, Firefox 2.2 (along with later versions of IE, Netscape and Firefox). Please make sure that you have Cookies and JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Step 3 - Add Application Package to your Start Page. From your Start Page, click on the "Add" button to see the list of application packages. Click on a specific package link on the List of Application Packages to apply. The package will now appear on your Start Page. From this point forward, you will access your unique application from your Start Page (not the Packages Page).

Step 4 - Begin the Application. Click on the underlined Application Package Title on your Start Page. This brings you to a page where you will see all of the application's forms and narratives listed as underlined links.

Step 5 - Fill out Forms. Enter a form by clicking on the underlined form title in order to enter data. Remember to click the "Save" button at the bottom of the form and check the "Form Completed" box for each form as you complete it.

Step 6 - Upload File(s) for Narrative Responses. Click on an underlined narrative form title for the e-Application. Enter the title of the document, and click on the "Browse" button to locate your file. Remember to click the "Save" button after you upload the document and check the "Form Completed" box when you finish uploading your file(s). Please note for file uploads, we accept .doc, .rtf, and .pdf files only. If you are using Word 2007, please save your document in a lower version of Word before uploading into e-Application.

Step 7 - Verify Information/Print Application. Verify that your information is complete and correct on all required forms and narratives. You have the option to print each form at any time by clicking on the print/view icon next to the appropriate form. After submission of the forms and narratives, you have the option to print a complete e-Application package in PDF by clicking on the “Request Complete Package in PDF” on the e-Application PR/Award page. A second window will open informing you that your request has been received and that you will be notified via email once it is available. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Once you receive the email, click on the link in the text of the message and enter your username and password in the new window. This will open the PDF file from which you can view/print the entire package. In addition, a blank complete package in PDF will be accessible from the package page in e-Application.

Step 8 - Submit your Application. Only authorized individuals for your organization can submit an application. Please check with your certifying official or sponsored research office before submission. Click on the "Ready to submit" button at the bottom of your application. Enter and verify the Authorizing Representative information. Click the "Submit" button. You will receive an e-mail to confirm that your application was received, and it will include a unique application number. Please print and keep this e-mail for your records. [Reminder: applications must be submitted before 4:30:00 pm, Washington, D.C. time, on the deadline date for applications. Note: e-Application will not accept your application if you try to submit it after 4:30:00 p.m. on the deadline date.]

Step 9 - Fax the signed SF 424 Cover Page (or Program Specific Cover Page). Write your unique application number (received in step 8) on the upper right corner of your printed SF 424 Cover Page (or Program Specific Cover Page), and fax it to the Application Control Center (202) 245-6272 within 3 business days of submitting your e-Application.

NOTE: For more detailed information on submitting an e-Application, please see the User Guide. In addition, please try practicing with our e-Application Demo site by clicking on the Demo button found on the upper left corner of the e-Application Home Page. Both the User Guide and Demo can be found at http://e-grants.ed.gov.

Other Submission Tips


  1. SUBMIT EARLY – We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the last day to submit your application. The time it takes to upload the narratives for your application will vary depending on a number of factors including the size of the files and the speed of your Internet connection. If you try to submit your application after 4:30:00 p.m. on the deadline date, the e-Application system will not accept it.


2) If electronic submission is optional and you have problems that you are unable to resolve before the deadline date and time for electronic applications, please follow the transmittal instructions for hard copy applications in the Federal Register notice and get a hard copy application postmarked by midnight on the deadline date.


If electronic submission is required, you must submit an electronic application before 4:30:00 p.m., unless you follow the procedures in the Federal Register notice and qualify for one of the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement and submit, no later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these exceptions. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed instructions).


3) Dial-Up Internet Connections - When using a dial up connection to upload and submit your application, it can take significantly longer than when you are connected to the Internet with a high-speed connection, e.g. cable modem/DSL/T1. While times will vary depending upon the size of your application, it can take a few minutes to a few hours to complete your grant submission using a dial up connection. If you do not have access to a high-speed connection and electronic submission is required, you may want to consider following the instructions in the Federal Register notice to obtain an exception to the electronic submission requirement no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. (See the Federal Register notice for detailed instructions).




Attaching Files – Additional Tips


Please note the following tips related to attaching files to your application:


  1. Ensure that you only attach the Department of Education approved file types detailed in the Federal Register application notice (.doc, .pdf or .rtf). If using Word 2007, save your file to a lower version of Word before uploading. Also, do not upload any password protected files to your application.


  1. When attaching files, applicants should limit the size of their file names. Lengthy file names could result in difficulties with opening and processing your application. We recommend you keep your file names to less than 50 characters. In addition, applicants should avoid including special characters in their file names (for example, %, *, /, etc.). Both of these conditions (lengthy file names and/or special characters including in the file names) could result in difficulties opening and processing a submitted application.


  1. Applicants should limit the size of their file attachments. Documents submitted that contain graphics and/or scanned material often greatly increase the size of the file attachments and can result in difficulties opening the files. Please note that each file attachment in e-Application has a file size limitation which is anywhere from 2 to 8 MB and the limitation will be indicated on the individual screen when you upload a file. For reference, however, the average discretionary grant application package totals 1 to 2 MB. Therefore, you may want to check the size of your attachments before uploading them into e-Application.


Application Transmittal Instructions


ATTENTION ELECTRONIC APPLICANTS: Please note that you must follow the Application Procedures as described in the Federal Register notice announcing the grant competition.


This program requires the electronic submission of applications; specific requirements and waiver instructions can be found in the Federal Register notice.


According to the instructions found in the Federal Register notice, those requesting and qualifying for an exception to the electronic submission requirement may submit an application by mail, commercial carrier or by hand delivery.


If you want to apply for a grant and be considered for funding, you must meet the following deadline requirements:


Applications Submitted Electronically


You must submit your grant application through the Internet using the software provided on the e-Grants Web site (http://e-grants.eg.gov) by 4:30:00 p.m. (Washington, D.C. time) on or before the application deadline date.


If you submit your application through the Internet via the e-grants Web site, you will receive an automatic acknowledgment when we receive your application.


For more information on using e-Grants, please refer to the “Notice Inviting Applications” that was published in the Federal Register, or visit (http://www.e-grants.ed.gov ).


Submission of Paper Applications by Mail


If you submit your application in paper format by mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier), you must mail the original and two copies of your application on or before the application deadline date to the Department at the following address:


U.S. Department of Education

Application Control Center

Attention: (CFDA Number 84.382C or 84.031X)

LBJ Basement Level 1

400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.

Washington, DC 20202–4260


You must show proof of mailing consisting of one of the following:


(1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.

(2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the U.S. Postal Service.

(3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier.

(4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.


If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do not accept either of the following as proof of mailing:


(1) A private metered postmark, or

(2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Services.


If your application is postmarked after the application deadline date, we will not consider your application.


Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with your local post office.


Submission of Paper Applications Delivered by Hand


If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, you (or a courier service) may deliver your paper application to the Department by hand. You must deliver the original and two copies of the application by hand, on or before the application deadline date, to the Department at the following address:


U.S. Department of Education

Application Control Center – Stop 4260

Attention: CFDA Number – 84.382C or 84.031X

550 12th Street, SW

Room 7041, Potomac Center Plaza

Washington, D.C. 20202-4260


The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries daily between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, D.C. time, except Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays.


Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper Applications:


If you mail or hand deliver your application to the Department --

  1. You must indicate on the envelope and—if not provided by the Department—in Item 11 of the SF 424, the CFDA number, including suffix letter, if any, of the competition under which you are submitting your application; and


  1. The Application Control Center will mail to you a notification of receipt of your grant application. If you do not receive this notification within 15 business days from the application deadline date, you should call the U.S. Department of Education Application Control Center at (202) 245-6288.


Late Applications

Note: If your application is late, we will notify you that we will not consider the application.


DEFINITIONS



Native American—The term ‘Native American’ means an individual who is of a tribe, people, or culture that is indigenous to the United States.


NATIVE AMERICAN-SERVING NON-TRIBAL INSTITUTION (NASNTI).


The term ‘Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institution’ means an institution of higher education as defined in section 101(a), that, at the time of application—

(A) is an eligible institution under section 312(b);

(B) has an enrollment of undergraduate students that is not less than 10 percent Native American students; and

(C) is not a Tribal College or University (as defined in section 316 of the HEA, as amended).


SEC. 312(b): ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION.--For the purpose of this part, the term “eligible institution” means -

(1) an institution of higher education--

(A) which has an enrollment of needy students as required by subsection (c) of this section;

(B) except as provided in section 392(b), the average educational and general expenditures of which are low, per full-time equivalent undergraduate student, in comparison with the average educational and general expenditures per full-time equivalent undergraduate student of institutions that offer similar instruction;

(C) which is

(i) legally authorized to provide, and provides within the State, an educational program for which such institution awards a bachelor’s degree;

(ii) a junior or community college; or

(iii) the College of the Marshall Islands, the College of Micronesia/Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau Community College;

(D) which is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary to be reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or which is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation;

(E) which meets such other requirements as the Secretary may prescribe; and

(F) located in a State; and

(2) any branch of any institution of higher education described under paragraph (1) which by itself satisfies the requirements contained in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of such paragraph.

For purposes of the determination of whether an institution is an eligible institution under this paragraph, the factor described under paragraph (1)(A) shall be given twice the weight of the factor described under paragraph (1)(B).


Sec. 316 AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBALLY CONTROLLED COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.

The term ‘Tribal College or University’ means an institution that—

(A) qualifies for funding under the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) or the Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 640a note); or

(B) is cited in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note).

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION


The following information supplements the information provided in the “Dear Applicant” letter and the Federal Register Notice Inviting Applications.



1. Certification of Eligibility


All applicants for the Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI) Program must submit the Designation of Eligibility application in order to be considered for funding.


2. Estimated Funding


  • Estimated Available Funds for FY 2010 for NASNTI


Title III, Part A $3,600,000

Title III, Part F $5,000,000


Program Name

and

Type of Award

Minimum/

Maximum

Award

Amount

Estimated

Number of

Awards

Estimated

Average

Award

Amount


Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI)


Title III, Part A

Five-Year Development Grants


Five-Year Cooperative Grants



Title III, Part F

Five-Year Development Grants








$200,000-$400,000


$200,000-$500,000



$200,000-$400,000






8



1




11







$383,000



$350,000




$383,000




NOTES: The U.S. Department of Education is not bound by these estimates. Please see the Federal Register notice regarding submitting a five-year plan.


3. Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs

Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs was issued to foster an

intergovernmental partnership and to strengthen federalism by relying on state and local processes for the coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance.


Applicants must contact the appropriate State Single Point of Contact to find out about, and to comply with, the State’s process under Executive Order 12372. A listing of the Single Point of Contact for each State may be viewed at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html .


4. Applicant Funding

The Department is often unable to award the full amount of funds requested. Applicants should pay close attention to the “Award Information” section of the Federal Register Notice. The Department will not fund any application at an amount exceeding the applicable maximum level.


5. Evaluation of Applications

A three-member panel of non-federal reviewers evaluates each application. Each reviewer assigns points for each selection criteria and prepares evaluation comments.


6. Selection Criteria

The selection criteria in EDGAR 34 CFR part 75 section 75.210 is used to evaluate applications. The selection criteria and maximum possible points are included in the Federal Register Notice.


7. Notice to Successful Applicants

The Department’s Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs will inform the Congressional office regarding applications approved for new program grants. Successful applicants will receive award notices by mail shortly after the Congressional office is notified. No funding information will be released before the Congressional office is notified.


8. Notice to Unsuccessful Applicants

Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing.


9. Annual Performance Report Requirements

If you receive a FY 2010 new grant award under the NASNTI program, you will be required to complete an Interim Performance Report after six months into the grant period, an Annual Performance Report each year, and a Final Performance Report at the end of the grant period. Grantees will be reminded of these reporting requirements prior to the due dates.







10. Contact Information

NASNTI Program

Program Officer: LaTonya Brown

Address: Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions Program

U.S. Department of Education

1990 K Street, N.W., Room 6064

Washington, DC 20006-8513

Telephone: (202) 502-7619

Fax: (202) 502-7861

E-mail Address: latonya.brown@ed.gov



Darlene B. Collins

Team Leader

Address: NASNTI Program

U.S. Department of Education

1990 K Street, N.W., Room 6033

Washington, DC 20006-8513

Telephone: (202) 502-7576

Fax: (202) 502-7861

E-mail Address: Darlene.Collins@ed.gov


For e-Grants related questions and assistance, please contact:


Support Desk: e-Grants Help Desk

Telephone: (888) 336-8930

E-mail Address: http://e-grants.ed.gov

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. Eastern Time





Program Narrative Instructions


The program narrative shall be attached to the “Program Narrative Selection Criteria” in the Application Package, in e-Application.


Before preparing the Program Narrative, applicants should review the program statute, program regulations, the Federal Register Notice, and the Dear Applicant Letter for specific guidance and requirements.

The Secretary evaluates an application according to the program specific criteria in EDGAR 34 CFR part 75 §75.210. The Program Narrative should provide in detail the information that addresses each selection criterion. The maximum possible score for each category of selection criterion is indicated in parenthesis. For ease of reading by the reviewers, applicants should follow the sequence of the criteria as provided below. Applications should be written in a clear and concise manner. You must limit the section of the narrative that addresses the selection criteria to no more than 50 pages for the Individual Development Grant application and 70 pages for the Cooperative Arrangement Grant application.


Your development grant application (individual or cooperative arrangement grant) must contain the following:


1. Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424)


  • Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424)

  • Department of Education Supplemental Information form for SF 424


Note: Applicants must complete the SF 424 form first because the information you provide here is automatically inserted into other sections of e-Grants.


2. U. S. Department of Education Budget Summary Forms:

  • ED 524 (Section A and Section B)

The “U. S. Department of Education Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs” (found in e-Application package) is where applicants provide budget information for Section A – Budget Summary U.S. Department of Education Funds and Section B – Budget Summary Non-Federal Funds Applicants should include costs for all project years. Note: Section C – Budget Narrative section in the selection criteria should be included in the “Program Narrative Selection Criteria.


3. ED Abstract Form


The “Program Narrative Abstract Form” (found in e-Application) is where applicants will attach in a word document, their one-page project abstract that will provide an overview of the proposed project.



4. Program Profile Page (To be attached to the “Program Narrative Profile Page” found in e-Application). This form is used to profile you, the applicant. It also addresses dual submission certification, cooperative arrangements grants and invitational priorities.


5. Program Narrative Selection Criteria


The “Program Narrative Selection Criteria” (found in e-Application) includes the narrative responses to the selection criteria (below) that will be used to evaluate applications submitted for this competition. Please include a Table of Contents as the first page of the program narrative. You must limit the program narrative to no more than 50 pages for the Individual Development Grant application and 70 pages for the Cooperative Arrangement Grant application. The Program Narrative should be consecutively numbered.


6. Selection Criteria – Program Narrative Attachment


As part of addressing the selection criteria and developing your program application, we presume that your institution has analyzed the major problems affecting it, and designed specific strategies to address and possibly resolve these problems. You should be ready to carry out the proposed project once you receive the grant and should not use the funds for intensive planning activities.


Content: This is the narrative portion of your application where you address the weighted selection criteria that the readers will use to evaluate your application and to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your proposal. These pages will be included in the mandatory page count.

For each proposed activity, separately address the selection criteria I through VII, in the same order as they appear below as precisely as possible, to ensure your application contains the information readers will need to judge the quality of the proposed development (Individual or Cooperative arrangement) grant activities.


  1. Need for the project. (Maximum 20 points) In determining the need for the proposed project, the Secretary considers:


  1. The magnitude of the needs for the services to be provided or the activities to be carried out by the proposed project. (10 points)


  1. The extent to which the proposed project will focus on serving or otherwise addressing the needs of disadvantaged individuals. (5 points)


  1. The extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services, infrastructure, or opportunities have been identified and will be addressed by the proposed project, including the nature and magnitude of those gaps or weaknesses. (5 points)


  1. Quality of the project design. (Maximum 15 points) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project, the Secretary considers:


  1. The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable. (10 points)


  1. The extent to which the design of the proposed project is appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target population or other identified needs.

(5 points)


  1. Quality of project services. (Maximum 15 points) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed project, the Secretary considers the quality and sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. In addition, the Secretary considers:


  1. The extent to which the services provided by the proposed project are appropriate to the needs of the intended recipients or beneficiaries of those services. (10 points)


  1. The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed project reflect up-to-date knowledge from research and effective practice. (5 points)


IV. Quality of project personnel. (Maximum 10 points) In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary considers the extent to which the applicant encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. In addition, the Secretary considers:


  1. The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of the project director or principal investigator. (5 points)


  1. The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of key project personnel. (5 points)


V. Adequacy of resources. (Maximum 5 points) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project, the Secretary considers:


  1. The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the proposed project. (3 points)


  1. The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project. (2 points)



VI. Quality of the management plan. (Maximum 20 points) In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed project, the Secretary considers:


  1. The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks. (10 points)


  1. The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and continuous improvement in the operation of the proposed project. (5 points)


  1. The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring high-quality products and services from the proposed project. (5 points)


VII. Quality of the project evaluation. (Maximum 15 points) In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary considers:


  1. The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, feasible and appropriate to the goals, objectives and outcomes of the proposed project. (5 points)


  1. The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward achieving intended outcomes. (5 points)


  1. The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and qualitative data to the extent possible. (5 points)


THE FOLLOWING GUIDANCE MAY ASSIST YOU IN ADDRESSING EACH OF THE WEIGHTED SELECTION CRITERIA:


Need: When addressing this criterion, applicants should provide detailed information that not only identifies a need for their proposed project but they should also provide data that supports their claim for a need for the proposed project. Supporting documentation may consist of recent statistics from State, local and Federal sources; mission statement; comparison data from similar institutions; etc.


Project Design: When addressing this criterion, applicants should clearly and succinctly identify the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be achieved. A mere listing of the goals, objectives, and outcomes is not sufficient. The identified goals, objectives, and outcomes should not only address the identified need for the project but should also be measurable and support the purpose of the program.


Project Services: When addressing this criterion, applicants should clearly spell out the activities and services it is proposing and the intended recipients or beneficiaries of each service or activity. A mere listing of the services and beneficiaries is not enough.

Provide details as to the types of activities and services to be provided and the extent to which the activities and services reflect up-to-date knowledge from research and effective practice. In other words, will the proposed activities and services meet the need of the project?


Project Personnel: The minimum qualifications must be identified for all project personnel positions. The minimum educational qualifications should include the type of degree required and the acceptable field(s) of study. The type and minimum amount of work-related experience should also be described for each position.


Adequacy of Resources: This section should provide information that shows that the proposed budget will provide adequate resources necessary to successfully carry out the proposed project. Applicants should demonstrate here how the proposed costs would enable them to carry out the project and that the proposed costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives, design, and significance of the proposed project.


In response to this criterion, applicants must also provide a detailed, itemized budget (ED Form 524) and a detailed budget narrative for each 12-month budget period. The budget narrative is to be included in the Program Narrative to be attached to the Program Narrative Selection Criteria in the application package downloaded from Grants.gov.


Management Plan: Describe the plan of management. Who will be responsible for which tasks? What are the expected timelines and proposed budgets for each activity or service? What are the expected milestones for accomplishing the proposed activities or services? Have you included procedures that will ensure feedback and the opportunity for continuous improvement in the operation of the proposed project? Be sure that the management plans are clearly and concisely defined.

Project Evaluation: A strong evaluation plan should be included and should be used, as appropriate, to shape the development of the project from the beginning of the grant period. The evaluation plan should include benchmarks to monitor progress toward meeting specific project objectives based on the program’s performance indicators. Specifically, the plan should identify the individual or organization that has agreed to serve as evaluator for the project and describe the qualifications of the evaluator. The plan should describe the evaluation design, indicating: (1) what types of data will be collected; (2) when various types of data will be collected; (3) what methods will be used; (4) what instruments will be developed and when; (5) how the data will be analyzed; (6) when reports and outcomes will be available; and (7) how the applicant will use the information collected through evaluation to monitor progress of the funded project. Applicants are encouraged to devote an appropriate level of resources to project evaluation and should explain the measures and strategies that will be used to ensure that the evaluation is appropriately rigorous and independent.

4000-01-U

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Office of Postsecondary Education

Overview Information

Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI) Programs

Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year (FY) 2010.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 84.382C and 84.031X.

Dates:

Applications Available: [INSERT DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER].

Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: [INSERT DATE 30 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER].

Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: [INSERT DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER].

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Purpose of Program: The NASNTI Program provides grants and related assistance to Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions to enable these institutions to improve and expand their capacity to serve Native Americans and low-income individuals by increasing their self-sufficiency in improving academic programs, institutional management and fiscal stability.


To qualify for the NASNTI program, an institution of higher education (IHE) must: be an eligible institution under section 312(b) of the HEA, must have an enrollment of undergraduate students that is at least 10 percent Native American at the time of application for a grant and not be a Tribal College or University under section 316 of the HEA.

Priorities: Under this competition, we are particularly interested in applications that address the following invitational priorities:

Invitational Priorities: For FY 2010, there are six invitational priorities for this program. Under 34 CFR 75.105 (c)(1) we do not give an application that meets these invitational priorities a competitive or absolute preference over other applications.

These invitational priorities are:

Invitational Priority 1.

Develop programs that meet the unique educational and culturally-related academic needs of Native Americans, particularly in the area of language preservation.

Invitational Priority 2.

Work with Native American tribes to develop programs that meet the unique academic and cultural needs of Native American students.

Invitational Priority 3.

Support activities that will improve the institution’s persistence and graduation rates.


Invitational Priority 4.

Work with the appropriate state agencies to develop strategies for using state longitudinal data systems to track outcomes for students attending the grantee institution, including the extent to which the students complete certificates, two-year degrees, and four-year degrees at other institutions.

Invitational Priority 5.

Develop academic programs to improve completions rates or develop innovation support programs that are designed to increase completion rates.

Invitational Priority 6.

Develop dual enrollment programs or career pathways programs that integrate basic academic instruction with technical or professional occupational training to advance individuals, particularly adult learners, on a career path toward high-wage occupations in high-demand industries.

Program Authority: Title III, Part A, Section 319 of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059f), as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA); Title III, Part F, Section 371, of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, as amended by the SAFRA Act of 2010.

Applicable Regulations: (a) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, and 99. (b) The program regulations in 34 CFR section 607.6.

Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 79 apply to all applicants except Federally recognized Indian tribes.

Note: The regulations in 34 CFR part 86 apply to institutions of higher education only.

II. Award Information

Type of Award: Title III, Part A - Five-year Individual Development Discretionary grants and five-year Title III, Part A Cooperative Arrangement grants will be awarded in FY 2010; Title III, Part F – Five-year Individual Development grants only.

Estimated Available Funds: Title III, Part A $3,600,000;

Title III, Part F $5,000,000

Program Name

and

Type of Award

Minimum/

Maximum

Award

Amount

Estimated

Number of

Awards

Estimated

Average

Award

Amount


Native American-serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI)


Title III, Part A

Five-Year Development Grants


Five-Year Cooperative Grants



Title III, Part F

Five-Year Development Grants








$200,000-$400,000


$200,000-$500,000



$200,000-$400,000






8



1




11







$383,000



$350,000




$383,000

Note: The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. Applicants should periodically check the Title III

Part A programs Web site for further information. The address is: http://www.ed.gov/programs/iduestitle3a/index.html.

Project Period: Up to 60 months.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants: An IHE is eligible to receive funds if it is a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI).

Native American.- The term ‘Native American’ means an individual who is of a tribe, people, or culture that is indigenous to the United States as defined in the Office of Management and Budget’s Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity as published on October 30, 1997 (62 Fed. Reg. 58789). As part of the application for a grant, applicants will be required to provide a certification assurance form on which the applicant provides their total undergraduate headcount enrollment and certifies that 10 percent of its enrollment is Native American for the purpose of the NASNTI program. The form must be submitted and signed by an official with the authority to represent the institution.

To qualify as an eligible institution under the NASNTI program, an institution must, among other requirements -

(1) Be accredited or preaccredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association that the Secretary has determined to be a reliable authority as to the quality of education or training offered;

(2) Be legally authorized by the State in which it is located to be a junior college or to provide an educational program for which it awards a bachelor's degree;

(3) Be designated as an “eligible institution” by demonstrating that it: A) has an enrollment of needy students as described in 34 CFR 607.3; and B) has low average educational and general expenditures per full-time equivalent (FTE) undergraduate student as described in 34 CFR 607.4.

Note: The notice for applying for designation as an eligible institution was published on December 7, 2009, 74 FR 64059 and applications were due on January 6, 2010. Only institutions which submitted applications by the deadline date of January 6, 2010 were determined to be eligible to apply for a grant.

Relationship between the Title III, Part A programs, and the Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) program.

Note 1: A grantee under the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) program, which is authorized by Title V of the HEA, may not receive a grant under any HEA, Title III, Part A programs. The Title III, Part A programs includes the Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities program (TCCU), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian program (ANNH), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving Institution program (AANAPISI), and the NASNTI program. Further, a current HSI program grantee may not give up its HSI grant in order to receive a grant under any Title III, Part A program.

Note 2: An eligible HSI that does not fall within the limitation described in Note 1 (i.e., is not a current grantee under the HSI program) may apply for a FY 2010 grant under all Title III, Part A programs for which it is eligible, as well as receive consideration for a grant under the HSI program. However, a successful applicant may receive only one grant.

Note 3: An eligible IHE that submits more than one application may only be awarded one individual development grant or one cooperative arrangement grant in a fiscal year. Furthermore, we will not award a second cooperative arrangement grant to an otherwise eligible IHE for the same award year as the IHE’s existing cooperative arrangement grant award.

Note 4: The Department will make five-year awards for individual development grants and five-year awards for cooperative arrangement grants in rank order from the funding slates according to the average score received from a panel of three readers.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching: There are no cost sharing or matching requirements.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package:


You can obtain an application via the Internet using the following address: http://e-grants.ed.gov. If you do not have access to the Internet, please contact LaTonya Brown or Darlene Collins, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, NW., 6th floor, Washington, DC 20006-8513. You may contact these individuals at the following e-mail addresses or telephone numbers:

Latonya.Brown@ed.gov; (202) 502-7619

Darlene.Collins@ed.gov; (202) 502-7576

If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the Federal Relay Service (FRS), toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.

Individuals with disabilities can obtain a copy of the application package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) by contacting the program contact person listed in this section.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Requirements concerning the content of an application, together with the forms you must submit, are in the application package for this program.

Page Limits: We have established mandatory page limits for both the Individual Development Grant and the Cooperative Arrangement Development Grant applications. You must limit the section of the narrative that addresses the selection criteria to no more than 50 pages for the Individual Development Grant application and 70 pages for the Cooperative Arrangement Grant application, using the following standards:

A “page” is 8.5” x 11”, on one side only, with 1 inch margins at the top, bottom, and both sides. Page numbers and an identifier may be within the 1” margins.

Double space (no more than three lines per vertical inch) all text in the application narrative, including titles, headings, footnotes, quotations, references, and captions. However, you may single space all text in charts, tables, figures, and graphs. Charts, tables, figures, and graphs presented in the application narrative count toward the page limit.

Use a font that is either 12-point or larger or no smaller than 10 pitch (characters per inch). However, you may use a 10-point font in charts, tables, figures, graphs, footnotes, and endnotes.

Use one of the following fonts: Times New Roman, Courier, Courier New, or Arial. An application submitted in any other font (including (Times Roman or Arial Narrow) will not be accepted.

The page limit does not apply to Part I, the Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424); the Supplemental Information for SF 424 Form required by the Department of Education; Part II, the Budget Information Summary Form (ED Form 524); and Part IV, the Assurances and Certifications. The page limit also does not apply to the Table of Contents, the Program one-page Abstract, the resumes, the bibliography, or the letters of support. If you include any attachments or appendices, these items will be counted as part of the Program Narrative (Part III of the application) for purposes of the page limit requirement. You must include your complete response to the selection criteria in the program narrative.

We will reject your application if you exceed the page limit.

3. Submission Dates and Times:

Applications Available: [INSERT DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER].

Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: [INSERT DATE 45 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER].

Applications for grants under this program must be submitted electronically using the Electronic Grant Application System (e-Application) accessible through the Department’s site. For information (including dates and times) about how to submit your application electronically, or in paper format by mail or hand delivery if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, please refer to section IV. 6. Other Submission in Requirements of this notice.

We do not consider an application that does not comply with the deadline requirements.

Individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation or auxiliary aid in connection with the application process should contact the person listed under For Further Information Contact in section VII in this notice. If the Department provides an accommodation or auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability in connection with the application process, the individual's application remains subject to all other requirements and limitations in this notice.

Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: [INSERT DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER].

4. Intergovernmental Review: This program is subject to Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79. Information about Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs under Executive Order 12372 is in the application package for this program.

5. Funding Restrictions: We reference the regulations outlining funding restrictions in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice.

6. Other Submission Requirements: Applications for grants under the NASNTI program must be submitted electronically unless you qualify for an exception to this requirement in accordance with the instructions in this section.

a. Electronic Submission of Applications.

Applications for grants under the NASNTI program CFDA Number 84.382C and 84.031X--must be submitted electronically using e-Application, accessible through the Department’s e-Grants web site at: http://e-grants.ed.gov.

We will reject your application if you submit it in paper format unless, as described elsewhere in this section, you qualify for one of the exceptions to the electronic submission requirement and submit, no later than two weeks before the application deadline date, a written statement to the Department that you qualify for one of these exceptions. Further information regarding calculation of the date that is two weeks before the application deadline date is provided later in this section under

Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement.

While completing your electronic application, you will be entering data online that will be saved into a database. You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application to us.

Please note the following:

• You must complete the electronic submission of your grant application by 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. The e-Application system will not accept an application for this program after 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the application process.

• The hours of operation of the e-Grants Web site are 6:00 a.m. Monday until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday; and 6:00 a.m. Thursday until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, Washington, DC time. Please note that, because of maintenance, the system is unavailable between 8:00 p.m. on Sundays and 6:00 a.m. on Mondays, and between 7:00 p.m on Wednesdays and 6:00 a.m. on Thursdays, Washington, DC time. Any modifications to these hours are posted on the e-Grants Web site.

• You will not receive additional point value because you submit your application in electronic format, nor will we penalize you if you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, as described elsewhere in this section, and submit your application in paper format.

• You must submit all documents electronically, including all information you typically provide on the following forms: the Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424), the Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs (ED 524), and all necessary assurances and certifications.

• Please note that two of these forms--the SF 424 and the Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424--have replaced the ED 424 (Application for Federal Education Assistance). You must attach any narrative sections of your application as files in a .DOC (document), .RTF (rich text), or .PDF (Portable Document) format. If you upload a file type other than the three file types specified in this paragraph or submit a password protected file, we will not review that material.

• Your electronic application must comply with any page limit requirements described in this notice.

• Prior to submitting your electronic application, you may wish to print a copy of it for your records.

• After you electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement that will include a PR/Award number (an identifying number unique to your application).

• Within three working days after submitting your electronic application, fax a signed copy of the SF 424 to the Application Control Center after following these steps:

  1. Print SF 424 from e-Application.

  2. The applicant’s Authorizing Representative must

sign this form.

  1. Place the PR/Award number in the upper right hand corner of the hard-copy signature page of the SF 424.

  2. Fax the signed SF 424 to the Application Control Center at (202) 245-6272.

We may request that you provide us original signatures on other forms at a later date.

Application Deadline Date Extension in Case of e-Application Unavailability: If you are prevented from electronically submitting your application on the application deadline date because e-Application is unavailable, we will grant you an extension of one business day to enable you to transmit your application electronically, by mail, or by hand delivery. We will grant this extension if --

  1. You are a registered user of e-Application and

you have initiated an electronic application for this competition; and

  1. (a) E-Application is unavailable for 60 minutes

or more between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date; or

(b) E-Application is unavailable for any period of time between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, DC time, on the application deadline date.

We must acknowledge and confirm these periods of unavailability before granting you an extension. To request this extension or to confirm our acknowledgement of any system unavailability, you may contact either (1) the person listed elsewhere in this notice under For Further Information Contact (see VII. Agency Contact) or (2) the e-Grants help desk at 1-888-336-8930. If e-Application is unavailable due to technical problems with the system, the application deadline is extended, an e-mail will be sent to all registered users who have initiated an e-Application. Extensions referred to in this section apply only to the unavailability of e-Application.

Exception to Electronic Submission Requirement: You qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, and may submit your application in paper format, if you are unable to submit an application through e-Application because––

• You do not have access to the Internet; or

• You do not have the capacity to upload large documents to e-Application;

and

• No later than two weeks before the application deadline date (14 calendar days or, if the fourteenth calendar day before the application deadline date falls on a Federal holiday, the next business day following the Federal holiday), you mail or fax a written statement to the Department, explaining which of the two grounds for an exception prevent you from using the Internet to submit your application. If you mail your written statement to the Department, it must be postmarked no later than two weeks before the application deadline date. If you fax your written statement to the Department, we must receive the faxed statement no later than two weeks before the application deadline date.

Address and mail or fax your statement to: LaTonya Brown or Darlene Collins, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, N.W., 6th floor, Washington, DC 20006-8513. FAX: (202) 502-7861. You may contact these individuals at the following e-mail addresses or telephone numbers:

Latonya.Brown@ed.gov; (202) 502-7619

Darlene.Collins@ed.gov; (202) 502-7576

Your paper application must be submitted in accordance with the mail or hand delivery instructions described in this notice.

b. Submission of Paper Applications by Mail.

If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, you may mail (through the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier) your application to the Department. You must mail the original and two copies of your application, on or before the application deadline date, to the Department at the following address:

U.S. Department of Education

Application Control Center

Attention: (CFDA Number 84.382C or 84.031X)

LBJ Basement Level 1

400 Maryland Avenue, SW.

Washington, DC 20202-4260


You must show proof of mailing consisting of one of the following:

(1) A legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark.

(2) A legible mail receipt with the date of mailing stamped by the U.S. Postal Service.

(3) A dated shipping label, invoice, or receipt from a commercial carrier.

(4) Any other proof of mailing acceptable to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

If you mail your application through the U.S. Postal Service, we do not accept either of the following as proof of mailing:

(1) A private metered postmark.

(2) A mail receipt that is not dated by the U.S. Postal Service.

If your application is postmarked after the application deadline date, we will not consider your application.

Note: The U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide a dated postmark. Before relying on this method, you should check with your local post office.

c. Submission of Paper Applications by Hand Delivery.

If you qualify for an exception to the electronic submission requirement, you (or a courier service) may deliver your paper application to the Department by hand. You must deliver the original and two copies of your application, by hand, on or before the application deadline date, to the Department at the following address:


U.S. Department of Education

Application Control Center

Attention: (CFDA Number 84.382C or 84.031X)

550 12th Street, SW.

Room 7041, Potomac Center Plaza

Washington, DC 20202-4260


The Application Control Center accepts hand deliveries daily between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30:00 p.m., Washington, D.C. time, except Saturdays, Sundays and Federal holidays.

Note for Mail or Hand Delivery of Paper Applications: If you mail or hand deliver your application to the Department--

(1) You must indicate on the envelope and--if not provided by the Department--in Item 11 of the SF 424, the CFDA number, including suffix letter, if any, of the competition under which you are submitting your application; and

(2) The Application Control Center will mail to you a notification of receipt of your grant application. If you do not receive this notification within 15 business days from the application deadline date, you should call the U.S. Department of Education Application Control Center at (202) 245-6288.

V. Application Review Information

  1. Selection Criteria - The selection criteria for these programs are in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) section 75.210. Applicants must address each of the following selection criteria (separately for each proposed activity). The total weight of the selection criteria is 100 points; the weight of each criterion is noted in parentheses.

  1. Need for the project. (Maximum 20 points) In determining the need for the proposed project, the Secretary considers:

    1. The magnitude of the needs for the services to be provided or the activities to be carried out by the proposed project. (10 points)

    2. The extent to which the proposed project will focus on serving or otherwise addressing the needs of disadvantaged individuals. (5 points)

    3. The extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services, infrastructure, or opportunities have been identified and will be addressed by the proposed project, including the nature and magnitude of those gaps or weaknesses. (5 points)

  1. Quality of the project design. (Maximum 15 points) In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project, the Secretary considers:

  1. The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable. (10 points)

  2. The extent to which the design of the proposed project is appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target population or other identified needs. (5 points)

  1. Quality of project services. (Maximum 15 points) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed project, the Secretary considers the quality and sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for eligible project participants who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. In addition, the Secretary considers:

  1. The extent to which the services provided by the proposed project are appropriate to the needs of the intended recipients or beneficiaries of those services. (10 points)

  2. The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed project reflect up-to-date knowledge from research and effective practice. (5 points)

  1. Quality of project personnel. (Maximum 10 points) In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary considers the extent to which the applicant encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability.

In addition, the Secretary considers:

  1. The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of the project director or principal investigator. (5 points)

  2. The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of key project personnel. (5 points)

  1. Adequacy of resources. (Maximum 5 points) In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project, the Secretary considers:

  1. The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the proposed project. (3 points)

  2. The extent to which the costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives, design, and potential significance of the proposed project. (2 points)

  1. Quality of the management plan. (Maximum 20 points) In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed project, the Secretary considers:

  1. The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks. (10 points)

  2. The adequacy of procedures for ensuring feedback and continuous improvement in the operation of the proposed project. (5 points)

  3. The adequacy of mechanisms for ensuring high-quality products and services from the proposed project.

(5 points)

  1. Quality of the project evaluation. (Maximum 15 points) In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary considers:

      1. The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, feasible and appropriate to the goals, objectives and outcomes of the proposed project.

(5 points)

      1. The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and qualitative data to the extent possible. (5 points)

      2. The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward achieving intended outcomes. (5 points)

2. Review and Selection Process: For five-year individual development grants and five-year cooperative arrangement grants, awards will be made in rank order according to the average score received from a panel of three readers.

3. Tie-breaker for Development Grants. In tie-breaking situations for development grants, 34 CFR 607.23(b) requires that we award one additional point to an application from an IHE that has an endowment fund of which the current market value per FTE enrolled student is less than the average current market value of the endowment funds, per FTE enrolled student at comparable institutions that offer similar instruction. We award one additional point to an application from an IHE that had expenditures for library materials per FTE enrolled student that are less than the average expenditures per FTE enrolled student at comparable institutions that offer similar instruction. We also add one additional point to an application from an IHE that proposes to carry out one or more of the following activities--

  1. Faculty development;

  2. Funds and administrative management;

  3. Development and improvement of academic programs;

  4. Acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening management and academic programs;

  5. Joint use of facilities; and

  6. Student services.

For the purpose of these funding considerations, we use 2007-2008 data. If a tie remains after applying the tie-breaker mechanism above, priority will be given in the case of applicants for: a) individual development grants to applicants that have the lowest endowment values per FTE enrolled student; and b) cooperative arrangement grants to applicants in accordance with section 394 (b) of the HEA, if the Secretary determines that the cooperative arrangement is geographically and economically sound or will benefit the applicant institution.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices: If your application is successful, we notify your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and send you a Grant Award Notification (GAN). We may notify you informally also.

If your application is not evaluated or not selected for funding, we notify you.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: We identify administrative and national policy requirements in the application package and reference these and other requirements in the Applicable Regulations section in this notice.

We reference the regulations outlining the terms and conditions of an award in the Applicable Regulations section of this notice and include these and other specific conditions in the GAN. The GAN also incorporates your approved application as part of your binding commitments under the grant.

3. Reporting: At the end of your project period, you must submit a final performance report, including financial information, as directed by the Secretary. If you receive a multi-year award, you must submit an annual performance report that provides the most current performance and financial expenditure information as directed by the Secretary in 34 CFR 75.118 and 34 CFR 607.31. The Secretary may also require more frequent performance reports under 34 CFR 75.720(c). For specific requirements on reporting, please go to www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/appforms/appforms.html.

4. Performance Measures: The Secretary has established the following key performance measures for assessing the effectiveness of the NASNTI program:

a. The percentage change, over a five-year period, of the number of full-time degree-seeking undergraduates enrolling at NASNTIs. Note that this is a long-term measure, which will be used to periodically gauge performance, beginning in FY 2009;

b. The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students at four-year NASNTIs who were in their first year of postsecondary enrollment in the previous year and are enrolled in the current year at the same NASNTI;

c. The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students at two-year NASNTIs who were in their first year of postsecondary enrollment in the previous year and are enrolled in the current year at the same NASNTI;

d. The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at four-year NASNTIs who graduate within six years of enrollment; and

e. The percentage of first-time, full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled at two-year NASNTIs who graduate within three years of enrollment.

VII. Agency Contacts

For Further Information Contact: LaTonya Brown or Darlene Collins, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, N.W., 6th floor, Washington, DC 20006-8513. You may contact these individuals at the following e-mail addresses or telephone numbers:

Latonya.Brown@ed.gov; (202) 502-7619

Darlene.Collins@ed.gov; (202) 502-7576

If you use a TDD, call the FRS, toll free, at 1-800-877-8339.

VIII. Other Information

Accessible Format: Individuals with disabilities can obtain this document and a copy of the application package in an accessible format (e.g., braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on request to the program contact persons listed in section VII of this notice.

Electronic Access to This Document: You can view this document, as well as all other documents of this Department published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: www.ed.gov/news/fedregister. To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site.

Note: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO Access at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html.

Delegation of Authority: The Secretary of Education has delegated authority to Daniel T. Madzelan, Director, Forecasting and Policy Analysis for the Office of Postsecondary Education, to perform the functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.

Dated:

___________________________

Daniel T. Madzelan,

Director,

Forecasting and Policy Analysis.




AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION





Title III, Part A, Section 319 of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059f), as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA); Title III, Part F, Section 371, of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, as amended by the SAFRA Act of 2010.


APPLICABLE REGULATIONS

Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98 and 99. Also, the program regulations in 34 CFR part 607.6.


PROGRAM STATUTE


TITLE III---INSTITUTIONAL AID


SEC. 302. DEFINITIONS; ELIGIBILITY.


Section 312 (20 U.S.C. 1058) is amended—

(1) in subsection (b)(1)(A), by striking “subsection (c) of this section” and inserting “subsection (d)”;

(2) in subsection (d)(2), by striking “subdivision” and inserting “paragraph”;

(3) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and

(4) by inserting after subsection (f) the following:

“(g) LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUAL.—For the purpose of this part, the term ‘low-income individual’ means an individual from a family whose taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of an amount equal to the poverty level determined by using criteria of poverty established by the Bureau of the Census.”.


Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, P.L. 110-315


PART A - NATIVE AMERICAN-SERVING NONTRIBAL INSTITUTIONS. (84.031X)

SEC. 306. PROGRAM PURPOSE


Part A of Title III (20 U.S.C. 1057 et seq.) is amended by adding after section 318 (as added by section 305 of this Act) the following:

“Sec.319. NATIVE AMERICAN-SERVING NONTRIBAL INSTITUTIONS.

“(a) PROGRAM AUTHORIZED. –The Secretary shall provide grants and related assistance to Native American–Serving Nontribal Institutions to enable such institutions to improve and expand their capacity to serve Native Americans and low-income individuals.


“(b) DEFINITIONS. –In this section:

“(1) NATIVE AMERICAN. –The term “Native American’ means an individual who is of a tribe, people, or culture that is indigenous to the United States.

“(2) NATIVE AMERICAN-SERVING NONTRIBAL INSTITUTIONS.—

The term ‘Native American-serving, nontribal institution’ means an institution of higher education, as defined in section 101(a), that, at the time of application—

“(A) is an eligible institution under section 312(b),

“(B) has an enrollment of undergraduate students that is not less than 10 percent Native American students; and

“(C) is not a Tribal College or University (as defined in section 316).


“(c) AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.—

“(1) TYPES OF ACTIVITIES AUTHORIZED. --Grants awarded under this section shall be used by Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions to provide grants and related assistance to Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions to enable these institutions to improve and expand their capacity to serve Native Americans and low-income individuals.


“(2) EXAMPLES OF AUTHORIZED ACTIVIES.—Under Title III, Part A include—


  1. The purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including instructional and research purposes.

  2. Renovation and improvement in classroom, library, laboratory, and other instructional facilities.

  3. Support of faculty exchanges, faculty development, and faculty fellowships to assist faculty in attaining advanced degrees in the faculty’s field of instruction.

  4. Curriculum development and academic instruction.

  5. The purchase of library books, periodicals, microfilm, and other educational materials.

  6. Funds and administrative management, and acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds management.

  7. The joint use of facilities such as laboratories and libraries.

  8. Academic tutoring and counseling programs and student support services.

  9. Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students or the students’ families.


“(d) APPLICATION PROCESS.—

“(1) INSTITUTIONAL ELIGIBLILTY. –A Native American-serving Nontribal Institution desiring to receive assistance under this section shall submit to the Secretary such enrollment data as may be necessary to demonstrate that the institution is a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution, along with such other information and data as the Secretary may reasonably require.

“(2) APPLICATIONS.—

“(A) AUTHORITY TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS. –Any institution that is determined by the Secretary to be a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution may submit an application for assistance under this section to the Secretary.

“(B) SIMPLIFIED AND STREAMLINED FORMAT.—The Secretary shall, to the extent possible, continue to prescribe a simplified and streamlined format for applications under this section that takes into account the limited number of institutions that are eligible for assistance under this section.

“(C) CONTENT.—An application submitted under sub-paragraph (A) shall include—

“(i) a five-year plan for improving the assistance provided by the Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution to Native Americans and low-income individuals; and

“(ii) such other information and assurances as the Secretary may reasonably require.

“(3) SPECIAL RULES.—

“(A) ELIGIBILITY.—No Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution that receives funds under this section shall concurrently receive funds under any other provision of this part, part B, or part A of Title V.

“(B) EXEMPTION.—Section 313(d) shall not apply to institutions that are eligible to receive funds under this section.

“(C) DISTRIBUTION.—In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall, to the extent possible and consistent with the competitive process under which such grants are awarded, ensure maximum and equitable distribution among all eligible institutions.

“(D) MINIMUM GRANT AMOUNT.—the minimum amount of a grant under this section shall be $200,000.


PART F - NATIVE AMERICAN-SERVING NONTRIBAL INSTITUTIONS. (84.382C)

Part F of Title III, Section 371, of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, as amended by the SAFRA Act of 2010.


Grants awarded under this section shall be used by Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions to provide grants and related assistance to Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions to enable these institutions to increase their self-sufficiency in improving academic programs, institutional management and fiscal stability. The allowable activities under Title III, Part F, Section 371 include:

    1. the purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including instructional and research purposes;

    2. renovation and improvement in classroom, library, laboratory, and other instructional facilities;

(C) support of faculty exchanges, faculty development, and faculty fellowships to assist faculty in attaining advanced degrees in the faculty’s field of instruction;

(D) curriculum development and academic instruction;

(E) the purchase of library books, periodicals, microfilm, and other educational materials;

(F) funds and administrative management, and acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening funds management;

(G) the joint use of facilities such as laboratories and libraries; and

(H) academic tutoring and counseling programs and student support services.


NOTE: CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE ARE NOT ALLOWABLE ACTIVITIES UNDER THIS PROGRAM.


SEC. 317. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.


Section 391 (20 U.S.C. 1068) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``(e) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary, directly or by grant or contract, may provide technical assistance to eligible institutions to prepare the institutions to qualify, apply for, and maintain a grant, under this title.''.


SEC. 318. WAIVER AUTHORITY.


Section 392 (20 U.S.C. 1068a) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``(c) Waiver Authority With Respect to Institutions Located in an Area Affected by a Gulf Hurricane Disaster.--

``(1) Waiver authority.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, unless enacted with specific reference to this section, for any affected institution that was receiving assistance under this title at the time of a Gulf hurricane disaster, the Secretary shall, for each of the fiscal years 2009 through 2011 (and may, for each of the fiscal years 2012 and 2013)--

``(A) waive--

``(i) the eligibility data requirements set forth in section 391(d);

``(ii) the wait-out period set forth in section 313(d);

``(iii) the allotment requirements under section 324; and

``(iv) the use of the funding formula developed pursuant to section 326(f)(3);

``(B) waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision to ensure that affected institutions that were receiving assistance under this title at the time of a

Gulf hurricane disaster are not adversely affected by any formula calculation for fiscal year 2009 or for any of the four succeeding fiscal years, as necessary; and

``(C) make available to each affected institution an amount that is not less than the amount made available to such institution under this title for fiscal year

2006, except that for any fiscal year for which the funds appropriated for payments under this title are less than the appropriated level for fiscal year 2006,

the amount made available to such institutions shall be ratably reduced among the institutions receiving funds under this title.

``(2) Definitions.--In this subsection:

``(A) Affected institution.--The term `affected institution' means an institution of higher education that--

``(i) is--``(I) a part A institution (which term shall have the meaning given the

term `eligible institution' under section 312(b)); or (II) a part B institution, as such term is defined in section 322(2), or as identified in section 326(e);

``(ii) is located in an area affected by a Gulf hurricane disaster; and

``(iii) is able to demonstrate that, as a result of the impact of a Gulf hurricane disaster, the institution--(I) incurred physical damage; (II) has pursued collateral source compensation from insurance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Small Business Administration, as appropriate; and (III) was not able to fully reopen in existing facilities or to fully reopen to the pre-hurricane enrollment levels during the 30-day period beginning on August 29, 2005.

``(B) Area affected by a gulf hurricane disaster; gulf hurricane disaster.--The terms `area affected by a Gulf hurricane disaster' and `Gulf hurricane disaster'

have the meanings given such terms in section 209 of the Higher Education Hurricane Relief Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-148, 119 Stat. 2809).''.


SEC. 319. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.


Section 399(a) (20 U.S.C. 1068h(a)) is amended to read as follows:

``(a) Authorizations.--

``(1) Part a.--(A) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part A (other than sections 316 through 320), $135,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.

``(B) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 316, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.

``(C) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 317, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.

``(D) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 318, $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years.

``(E) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 319, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.

``(F) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 320, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.

``(2) Part b.--(A) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part B (other than section 326), $375,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.

``(B) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 326, $125,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.

``(3) Part c.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part C, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.

``(4) Part d.--(A) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part D (other than section 345(9), but including section 347), $185,000 for fiscal year 2009, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.

``(B) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 345(9) such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years.

``(5) Part e.--(A) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subpart 1 of part E, $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the five succeeding fiscal years.

``(B) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subpart 2 of part E, such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years.''.


SEC. 320. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.


Title III (20 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.) is further amended—

(1) in section 342(5) (20 U.S.C. 1066a(5))--

(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting a comma after ``344(b)''; and

(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``equipment technology,,'' and inserting ``equipment, technology,'';
(2) in section 343(e) (20 U.S.C. 1066b(e)), by inserting ``Sale of Qualified Bonds.--'' before ``Notwithstanding'';

(3) in the matter preceding clause (i) of section 365(9)(A) (20 U.S.C. 1067k(9)(A)), by striking ``support'' and inserting ``supports'';

(4) in section 391(b)(7)(E) (20 U.S.C. 1068(b)(7)(E)), by striking ``subparagraph (E)'' and inserting ``subparagraph (D)'';

(5) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) of section 392(b)(2) (20 U.S.C. 1068a(b)(2)), by striking ``eligible institutions under part A institutions'' and inserting ``eligible institutions under part A''; and

(6) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) of section 396 (20 U.S.C. 1068e), by striking ``360'' and inserting ``399''.

HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 1965, AS AMENDED


TITLE III---INSTITUTIONAL AID

 

SEC. 301. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.


(a) FINDINGS. --The Congress finds that--

(1) there are a significant number of institutions of higher education serving high percentages of minority students and students from low-income backgrounds, that face problems that threaten their ability to survive;

(2) the problems relate to the management and fiscal operations of certain institutions of higher education, as well as to an inability to engage in long-range planning and development activities, including endowment building;

(3) in order to be competitive and provide a high-quality education for all, institutions of higher education should improve their technological capacity and make effective use of technology;

(4) the title III program prior to 1985 did not always meet the specific development needs of historically Black colleges and universities and other institutions with large concentrations of minority, low-income students;

(5) the solution of the problems of these institutions would enable them to become viable, fiscally stable and independent, thriving institutions of higher education;

(6) providing assistance to eligible institutions will enhance the role of such institutions in providing access and quality education to low-income and minority students;

(7) these institutions play an important role in the American system of higher education, and there is a strong national interest in assisting them in solving their problems and in stabilizing their management and fiscal operations, and in becoming financially independent; and

(8) there is a particular national interest in aiding those institutions of higher education that have historically served students who have been denied access to postsecondary education because of race or national origin and whose participation in the American system of higher education is in the Nation’s interest so that equality of access and quality of postsecondary education opportunities may be enhanced for all students.

(b) PURPOSE. --It is the purpose of this title to assist such institutions in equalizing educational opportunity through a program of Federal assistance.


SEC. 312. DEFINITIONS; ELIGIBILITY.

(a) EDUCATIONAL AND GENERAL EXPENDITURES. -- For the purpose of this part, the term “educational and general expenditures” means the total amount expended by an institution of higher education for instruction, research, public service, academic support (including library expenditures), student services, institutional support, scholarships and fellowships, operation and maintenance expenditures for the physical plant, and any mandatory transfers which the institution is required to pay by law.

(b) ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION. -- For the purpose of this part, the term “eligible institution” means --

(1) an institution of higher education--

(A) which has an enrollment of needy students as required by subsection (c) of this section;

(B) except as provided in section 392(b), the average educational and general expenditures of which are low, per full-time equivalent undergraduate student, in comparison with the average educational and general expenditures per full-time equivalent undergraduate student of institutions that offer similar instruction;

(C) which is

(i) legally authorized to provide, and provides within the State, an educational program for which such institution awards a bachelor’s degree;

(ii) a junior or community college; or

(iii) the College of the Marshall Islands, the College of Micronesia/Federated States of Micronesia, and

Palau Community College;

(D) which is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary to be reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or which is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation;

(E) which meets such other requirements as the Secretary may prescribe; and

(F) located in a State; and

(2) any branch of any institution of higher education described under paragraph (1) which by itself satisfies the requirements contained in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of such paragraph. For purposes of the determination of whether an institution is an eligible institution under this paragraph, the factor described

under paragraph (1)(A) shall be given twice the weight of the factor described under paragraph (1)(B).

(c) ENDOWMENT FUND.-- For the purpose of this part, the term ‘‘endowment fund” means a fund that--

(1) is established by State law, by an institution of higher education, or by a foundation that is exempt from Federal income taxation;

(2) is maintained for the purpose of generating income for the support of the institution; and

(3) does not include real estate.

(d) ENROLLMENT OF NEEDY STUDENTS. -- For the purpose of this part, the term “enrollment of needy students” means an enrollment at an institution of higher education or a junior or community college

which includes--

(1)   at least 50 percent of the degree students so enrolled who are receiving need-based assistance under title IV of this Act in the second fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the determination is being made (other than loans for which an interest subsidy is paid pursuant to section 428), or

(2)   a substantial percentage of students receiving Pell Grants in the second fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which determination is being made, in comparison with the percentage of students receiving Pell Grants at all such institutions in the second fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for

which the determination is made, unless the requirement of this subdivision is waived under section 392(a).

(e) FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT STUDENTS. For the purpose of this part, the term “full-time equivalent students” means the sum of the number of students enrolled full time at an institution, plus the

(f) JUNIOR OR COMMUNITY COLLEGE.--For the purpose of this part, the term “junior or community college” means an institution of higher education--

(1) that admits as regular students persons who are beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the State in which the institution is located and who have the ability to benefit from the training offered by the institution;

(2) that does not provide an educational program for which it awards a bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent degree); and

(3) that--

(A) provides an educational program of not less than 2 years that is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree, or

(B) offers a 2-year program in engineering, mathematics, or the physical or biological sciences, designed to prepare a student to work as a technician or at the semiprofessional level in engineering, scientific, or other technological fields requiring the understanding and application of basic engineering, scientific, or mathematical principles of knowledge.

(g) HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY.--For the purposes of this section, no historically black college or university which is eligible for and receives funds under part B of this title is eligible for or may receive funds under this part.


PART F--GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

SEC. 391. APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE.

(a) APPLICATIONS.-

(1) APPLICATIONS REQUIRED.-- Any institution which is eligible for assistance under this title shall submit to the Secretary an application for assistance at such time, in such form, and containing such information, as may be necessary to enable the Secretary to evaluate the institution’s need for the assistance. Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out this title, the Secretary may approve an application for assistance under this title only if the Secretary determines that--

(A) the application meets the requirements of subsection (b);

(B) the applicant is eligible for assistance in accordance with the part of this title under which the assistance is sought; and

(C) the applicant’s performance goals are sufficiently rigorous as to meet the purposes of this title and the performance objectives and indicators for this title established by the Secretary pursuant to the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 and the amendments made by such Act.

(2) PRELIMINARY APPLICATIONS.-- In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary may develop a preliminary application for use by eligible institutions applying under part A prior to the submission of the principal application.

(b) CONTENTS.-- An institution, in its application for a grant, shall--

(1) set forth, or describe how the institution (other than an institution applying under part C, D or E) will develop, a comprehensive development plan to strengthen the institution’s academic quality and institutional management, and otherwise provide for institutional self-sufficiency and growth (including measurable objectives for the institution and the Secretary to use in monitoring the effectiveness of activities under this title);

(2) set forth policies and procedures to ensure that Federal funds made available under this title for any fiscal year will be used to supplement and, to the extent practical, increase the funds that would otherwise be made available for the purposes of section 311(b) or 323, and in no case supplant those funds;

(3) set forth policies and procedures for evaluating the effectiveness in accomplishing the purpose of the activities for which a grant is sought under this title;

(4) provide for such fiscal control and fund accounting procedures as may be necessary to ensure proper disbursement of and accounting for funds made available to the applicant under this title;

(5) provide (A) for making such reports, in such form and containing such information, as the Secretary may require to carry out the functions under this title, including not less than one report annually setting forth the institution’s progress toward achieving the objectives for which the funds were awarded, and (B) for keeping such records and affording such access thereto, as the Secretary may find necessary to assure the correctness and verification of such reports;

(6) provide that the institution will comply with the limitations set forth in section 357, except that for purposes of section 316, paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 396 shall not apply;

(7) describe in a comprehensive manner any proposed project for which funds are sought under the application and include--

(A) a description of the various components of the proposed project, including the estimated time required to complete each such component;

(B) in the case of any development project which consists of several components (as described by the applicant pursuant to subparagraph (A)), a statement identifying those components which, if separately funded, would be sound investments of Federal funds and those components which would be sound investments of Federal funds only if funded under this title in conjunction with other parts of the development project (as specified by the applicant);

(C) an evaluation by the applicant of the priority given any proposed project for which funds are sought in relation to any other projects for which funds are sought by the applicant under this title, and a similar evaluation regarding priorities among the components of any single proposed project (as described by the applicant pursuant to subparagraph (A));

(D) a detailed budget showing the manner in which funds for any proposed project would be spent by the applicant; and

(E) a detailed description of any activity which involves the expenditure of more than $25,000, as identified in the budget referred to in subparagraph (E); and

(8) include such other information as the Secretary may prescribe.

(c) PRIORITY CRITERIA PUBLICATION REQUIRED.-- The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register, pursuant to chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, all policies and procedures required to exercise the authority set forth in subsection (a). No other criteria, policies, or procedures shall apply.

(d) ELIGIBILITY DATA.-- The Secretary shall use the most recent and relevant data concerning the number and percentage of students receiving need-based assistance under title IV of this Act in making eligibility determinations under section 312 and shall advance the base-year forward following each annual grant cycle.


SEC. 392. WAIVER AUTHORITY AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

(a) WAIVER REQUIREMENTS; NEED-BASED ASSISTANCE STUDENTS.--

The Secretary may waive the requirements set forth in section 312(b)(1)(A) in the case of an institution--

(1) which is extensively subsidized by the State in which it is located and charges low or no tuition;

(2) which serves a substantial number of low-income students as a percentage of its total student population;

(3) which is contributing substantially to increasing higher education opportunities for educationally disadvantaged, underrepresented, or minority students, who are low-income individuals;

(4) which is substantially increasing higher educational opportunities for individuals in rural or other isolated areas which are unserved by postsecondary institutions;

(5) located on or near an Indian reservation or a substantial population of Indians, if the Secretary determines that the waiver will substantially increase higher education opportunities appropriate to the needs of American Indians;

(6) that is a tribally controlled college or university as defined in section 2 of the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978; or

(7) wherever located, if the Secretary determines that the waiver will substantially increase higher education opportunities appropriate to the needs of Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, or Pacific Islanders, including Native Hawaiians.

(b) WAIVER DETERMINATIONS; EXPENDITURES.-- (1) The Secretary may waive the requirements set forth in section 312(b)(1)(B) if the Secretary determines, based on persuasive evidence submitted by the institution, that the institution’s failure to meet that criterion is due to factors which, when used in the determination of compliance with such criterion, distort such determination, and that the institution’s designation as an eligible institution under part A is otherwise consistent with the purposes of such parts.

(2) The Secretary shall submit to the Congress every other year a report concerning the institutions which, although not satisfying the criterion contained in section 312(b)(1)(B), have been determined to be eligible institutions under part A institutions which enroll significant numbers of Black American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, or Native Hawaiian students under part A, as the case may be. Such report shall--

(A) identify the factors referred to in paragraph (1) which were considered by the Secretary as factors that distorted the determination of compliance with subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 312(b)(1); and

(B) contain a list of each institution determined to be an eligible institution under part A including a statement of the reasons for each such determination.

(3) The Secretary may waive the requirement set forth in section 312(b)(1)(E) in the case of an institution located on or near an Indian reservation or a substantial population of Indians, if the Secretary determines that the waiver will substantially increase higher education opportunities appropriate to the needs of American Indians.

 

SEC. 393. APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS.

(a) REVIEW PANEL.-

(1) All applications submitted under this title by institutions of higher education shall be read by a panel of readers composed of individuals selected by the Secretary. The Secretary shall assure that no individual assigned under this section to review any application has any conflict of interest with regard to the application which might impair the impartiality with which the individual conducts the review under this section.

(2) The Secretary shall take care to assure that representatives of historically and predominantly Black colleges, Hispanic institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and institutions with substantial numbers of Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Native American Pacific Islanders (including Native Hawaiians) are included as readers.

(3) All readers selected by the Secretary shall receive thorough instruction from the Secretary regarding the evaluation process for applications submitted under this title and consistent with the provisions of this title, including--

(A) explanations and examples of the types of activities referred to in section 311(b) that should receive special consideration for grants awarded under part A and of the types of activities referred to in section 323 that should receive special consideration for grants awarded under part B;

(B) an enumeration of the factors to be used to determine the quality of applications submitted under this title; and

(C) an enumeration of the factors to be used to determine whether a grant should be awarded for a project under this title, the amount of any such grant, and the duration of any such grant.

(b) RECOMMENDATIONS OF PANEL.-- In awarding grants under this title, the Secretary shall take into consideration the recommendations of the panel made under subsection (a).

(c) NOTIFICATION.-- Not later than June 30 of each year, the Secretary shall notify each institution of higher education making an application under this title of--

(1) the scores given the applicant by the panel pursuant to this section;

(2) the recommendations of the panel with respect to such application; and

(3) the reasons for the decision of the Secretary in awarding or refusing to award a grant under this title, and any modifications, if any, in the recommendations of the panel made by the Secretary.

(d) EXCLUSION.-- The provisions of this section shall not apply to applications submitted under part D.

 

SEC. 394. COOPERATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.

(a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.-- The Secretary may make grants to encourage cooperative arrangements

(1) with funds available to carry out part A, between institutions eligible for assistance under part A and between such institutions and institutions not receiving assistance under this title; or

(2) with funds available to carry out part B, between institutions eligible for assistance under part B and institutions not receiving assistance under this title; for the activities described in section 311(b) or section 323, as the case may be, so that the resources of the cooperating institutions might be combined and shared to achieve the purposes of such parts and avoid costly duplicative efforts and to enhance the development of part A and part B eligible institutions.

(b) PRIORITY. -- The Secretary shall give priority to grants for the purposes described under subsection (a) whenever the Secretary determines that the cooperative arrangement is geographically and economically sound or will benefit the applicant institution.

(c) DURATION. -- Grants to institutions having a cooperative arrangement may be made under this section for a period as determined under section 313 or section 323.

 

SEC. 395. ASSISTANCE TO INSTITUTIONS UNDER OTHER PROGRAMS.

(a) ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY.-- Each institution which the Secretary determines to be an institution eligible under part A or an institution eligible under part B may be eligible for waivers in accordance with subsection (b).

(b) WAIVER APPLICABILITY.-- (1) Subject to, and in accordance with, regulations promulgated for the purpose of this section, in the case of any application by an institution referred to in subsection (a) for assistance under any programs specified in paragraph (2), the Secretary is authorized, if such application is otherwise approvable, to waive any requirement for a non-Federal share of the cost of the program or project, or, to the extent not inconsistent with other law, to give, or require to be given, priority consideration of the application in relation to applications from other institutions. (2) The provisions of this section shall apply to any program authorized by part D or title IV of this Act.

(c) LIMITATION. -- The Secretary shall not waive, under sub-section (b), the non-Federal share requirement for any program for applications which, if approved, would require the expenditure of more than 10 percent of the appropriations for the program for any fiscal year.

 

SEC. 396. LIMITATIONS.

The funds appropriated under section 360 may not be used--

(1) for a school or department of divinity or any religious worship or sectarian activity;

(2) for an activity that is inconsistent with a State plan for desegregation of higher education applicable to such institution;

(3) for an activity that is inconsistent with a State plan of higher education applicable to such institution; or

(4) for purposes other than the purposes set forth in the approved application under which the funds were made available to the institution.

 

SEC. 397. PENALTIES.

Whoever, being an officer, director, agent, or employee of, or connected in any capacity with, any recipient of Federal financial assistance or grant pursuant to this title embezzles, willfully misapplies, steals, or obtains by fraud any of the funds which are the subject of such grant or assistance, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both.

 

SEC. 398. CONTINUATION AWARDS

The Secretary shall make continuation awards under this title for the second and succeeding years of a grant only after determining that the recipient is making satisfactory progress in carrying out the grant.

 

SEC. 399. AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS.

(a) AUTHORIZATIONS.-

(1) PART A.-

(A) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part A, $135,000,000 (other than section 316) for fiscal year 1999, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.

(B) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 316, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1999 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.

(C) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 317, $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1999 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.

(2) PART B.-

(A) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part B (other than section 326), $135,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.

(B) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 326, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.

(3) PART C.-- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part C, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.

(4) PART D.—

(A) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part D (other than section 345(7), but including section 347), $110,000 for fiscal year 1999, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.

(B) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 345(7), such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1999 and each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.

(5) PART E.-- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part E, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years.

(b) USE OF MULTIPLE YEAR AWARDS.-- In the event of a multiple year award to any institution under this title, the Secretary shall make funds available for such award from funds appropriated for this title for the fiscal year in which such funds are to be used by the recipient.


INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS

EXECUTIVE ORDER 12372


APPENDIX


This appendix applies to each program that is subject to the requirements of Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs) and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.


The objective of the Executive order is to foster an intergovernmental partnership and to strengthen federalism by relying on State and local processes for State and local government coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance.


Applicants must contact the appropriate State Single Point of Contact to find out about, and to comply with, the State’s process under Executive Order 12372. Applicants proposing to perform activities in more than one State should immediately contact the Single Point of Contact for each of those States and follow the procedure established in each of those States under the Executive order. A listing of the Single Point of Contact for each State may be viewed at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.


In States that have not established a process or chosen a program for review, State, area-wide, regional, and local entities may submit comments directly to the Department.


Any State process recommendation and other comments submitted by a State Single Point of Contact and any comments from State, area-wide, regional, and local entities must be mailed or hand-delivered by the date indicated in the actual application notice to the following address: The Secretary, EO 12372--84.031X or 84.382C, U.S. Department of Education, room 7W301, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202.


Proof of mailing will be determined on the same basis as applications (see 34 CFR 75.102). Recommendations of comments may be hand-delivered until 4:30 p.m. (Washington, DC time) on the date indicated in the actual application notice.


PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE ADDRESS IS NOT THE SAME ADDRESS AS THE ONE TO WHICH THE APPLICANT SUBMITS ITS COMPLETED APPLICATION. DO NOT SEND APPLICATIONS TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS.




GENERAL EDUCATION PROVISIONS ACT (GEPA)

SECTION 427




Section 427 of GEPA requires all applicants for new awards to include in their applications a description of the steps the applicant proposes to take to ensure equitable access to, and participation in, its federally-assisted programs for students, teachers, and other program beneficiaries with special needs. The provision allows applicants discretion in developing the required description. The statute highlights six types of barriers that can impede equitable access or participation: gender, race, national origin, color, disability, or age.


A general statement of an applicant’s nondiscriminatory hiring policy is not sufficient to meet this requirement. Applicants must identify potential barriers and explain steps they will take to overcome these barriers.


NOTES:


  • Applicants for new awards must include information in their applications to address this provision in order to receive funding under this program.


  • Applicants are required to address this provision by attaching a statement to the ED GEPA 427 Form.
















GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE AND RESULTS ACT (GPRA)



What is GPRA?


The Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) is a straightforward statute that requires all federal agencies to manage their activities with attention to the consequences of those activities. Each agency is to clearly state what it intends to accomplish, identify the resources required, and periodically report their progress to the Congress. In so doing, it is expected that GPRA will contribute to improvements in accountability for the expenditures of public funds, improve Congressional decision-making through more objective information on the effectiveness of federal programs, and promote a new government focus on results, service delivery, and customer satisfaction.


How has the Department of Education Responded to the GPRA Requirements?


As required by GPRA, the Department of Education has prepared a strategic plan for 2007-2012. This plan reflects the Department’s priorities and integrates them with its mission and program authorities and describes how the Department will work to improve education for all children and adults in the U.S. The Department’s goals, as listed in the plan, are:


Goal 1: Improve student achievement, with a focus on bringing all

students to grade level in reading and mathematics by 2014.

Goal 2: Increase the academic achievement of all high school students.

Goal 3: Ensure the accessibility, affordability, and accountability of

higher education, and better prepare students and adults for

employment and future learning.


What are the performance indicators for the Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI) Program?


The performance indicators for the Native American-serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI) Program are part of the Department’s plan for meeting Goal 3. The specific goal for the NASNTI Program is to improve the capacity of minority-serving institutions, which traditionally have limited resources and serve large numbers of low-income and minority students, to improve student success and to provide high-quality educational opportunities for their students.


The performance indicators for the NASNTI program are:


1) The number of full-time degree-seeking undergraduates enrolling at NASNTIs. Note that this is a long-term measure; 2) The percentage of full-time undergraduate students at four-year NASNTIs who were in their first year of postsecondary enrollment in the previous year and are enrolled in the current year at the same NASNTI; 3) The percentage of full-time undergraduate students at two-year NASNTIs who were in their first year of postsecondary enrollment in the previous year and are enrolled in the current year at the same NASNTI; 4) The percentage of students enrolled at four-year NASNTIs graduating within six years of enrollment; and 5) The percentage of students enrolled at two-year NASNTIs graduating within three years of enrollment.


An applicant that receives a grant award will be required to submit annual progress reports and a final report as a condition of the award. The reports will document the extent to which project goals and objectives are met. Data submitted annually by the institution to the Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) will document the extent to which program goals and objectives are met.


The most recent version of a currently approved annual performance report can be viewed at https://www.ed.gov/programs/iduestitle3a/performance/html.



Instructions for Completing the Application

The NASNTI application consists of the following four parts. These parts are organized in the same manner that the submitted application should be organized. The parts are as follows:


Part I: 424 Forms:

  • Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424)

  • Department of Education Supplemental Information form for SF 424


Note: Applicants must complete the SF 424 form first because the information you provide here is automatically inserted into other sections of e-Grants.


Part II: U. S. Department of Education Budget Summary Forms:

  • ED 524 (Section A and Section B)

The “U. S. Department of Education Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs” (found in e-Application package) is where applicants provide budget information for Section A – Budget Summary U.S. Department of Education Funds and Section B – Budget Summary Non-Federal Funds Applicants should include costs for all project years. Note: Section C – Budget Narrative section in the selection criteria should be included in the “Program Narrative Selection Criteria,” located in Part III.


Part III: Program Narrative Abstract Form

Program Narrative Selection Criteria

Program Narrative Profile Form

Program Narrative Budget Form


The “Program Narrative Abstract Form” (found in e-Application) is where applicants will attach their one-page project abstract that will provide an overview of the proposed project.


The “Program Narrative Selection Criteria” (found in e-Application) includes the narrative responses to the selection criteria that will be used to evaluate applications submitted for this competition. Please include a Table of Contents as the first page of the project narrative. You must limit the project narrative to no more than 50 pages for the Individual Development Grant application and 70 pages for the Cooperative Arrangement Development Grant application. The Program Narrative Selection Criteria should be consecutively numbered.


The “Budget Narrative” is part of the selection criteria and should be included in the “Program Narrative Selection Criteria.”


The “Program Narrative Profile Form” (found in e-Application) is where applicants will attach the NASNTI Program Profile.


The “Activity Budget Narrative Form” (found in e-Application) is where applicants will attach the Detailed Budget Activity Budget form.




Part IV: Assurances, Certifications, and Survey Forms


GEPA Section 427 requirement

Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF 424B)

Grants.gov Lobbying Form (formerly ED Form 80.0013)

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)

Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants


NOTE: Please do not attach any narratives, supporting files, or application components to the Standard Form (SF 424). Although the form accepts attachments, the Department of Education will only review materials/files attached to the attachment forms listed above. All attachments must be in .doc, .rtf, or .pdf format. Other types of files will not be accepted.


Instructions for Standard Forms:



● APPLICATION FACE SHEET - (SF 424)


● DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SUPPLEMENTAL FORM (SF 424)


● DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BUDGET SUMMARY FORM (ED 524)


● DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES (SF-LLL)




Other Information and Guidance:



● SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS


● ACTIVITY BUDGET DETAIL FORM INSTRUCTIONS


NATIVE AMERICAN-SERVING NONTRIBAL INSTITUTIONS PROGRAM PROFILE

INSTRUCTIONS: ALL applicants must complete these pages. The completed pages must be attached to the “Other Attachments Form” in the application package in Grants.gov (as either a .doc, .rtf, or, .pdf document). DO NOT MODIFY OR AMEND THESE PAGES.

OPE ID #_____________


  1. INSTITUTION (Legal Name):


_____________________________________________________________________


  1. Are you applying as a Branch Campus? _____YES _____NO


  1. ADDRESS (Applicants must indicate the address where the project will be located):


Project Address: _____________________________________________________________________


City: _____________________________________State: ______Zip: _____________


  1. DUAL SUBMISSION CERTIFICATION: If an institution applies for more than one grant, it must indicate which grant it wishes to receive if it is selected to receive more than one.


  • Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI) – Part F (84.382C)

  • Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI) – Title III, Part A (84.031X)

  • Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) – Title III, Part A

  • Alaska Native-Native Hawaiian (ANNH) – Title III, Part A

  • Asian Americans and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) – Part F

  • Asian Americans and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) – Title III, Part A


  1. NATIVE AMERICAN-SERVING NONTRIBAL INSTITUTIONS CERTIFICATION:


By checking this box (or placing an “X” beside it), the applicant certifies pursuant to the statutory requirements governing the Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions Program authorized under Title III, Part A, Section 319 of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, as amended, and by Title III, Part F, Section 371 of the HEA as amended, that:


The named institution of higher education, at the time of application, has an enrollment of undergraduate students that is at least 10 percent Native American. The term “Native American” mean an individual who is of a tribe, people, or culture that is indigenous to the United States. In addition, the named institution of higher education is not a Tribal College or University (as defined in section 316 of the Higher Education Act, as amended).


  1. COOPERATIVE ARRANGEMENT FOR PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS: The applicant institution must provide for each Participating Institution: the Institution Name, DUNS Number, Location (City and State).


_____________________________________________________


_____________________________________________________


_____________________________________________________


  1. Are you addressing an invitational priority? ______YES ______NO.

If yes, indicate the priority by placing an “X” beside it.


  • Develop programs that meet the unique educational and culturally-related academic needs of Native Americans, particularly in the area of language preservation;


  • Work with Native American tribes to develop programs that meet the unique academic and cultural needs of Native American students;


  • Support activities that will improve the institution’s persistence and graduation rates;


  • Work with the appropriate State agencies to develop strategies for using State longitudinal data systems to track outcomes for students attending the grantee institution, including the extent to which the students complete certificates, 2-year degrees, and 4-year degrees at other institutions;


  • Develop academic programs to improve completion rates or develop innovative support programs that are designed to increase completion rates; and,


  • Develop dual enrollment programs or career pathways programs that integrate basic academic instruction with technical or professional occupational training to advance individuals, particularly adult learners, on a career path toward high-wage occupations in high-demand industries.


  1. Tie-Breaker Information


If the selection process ends in a tie and funds are not sufficient to fund all institutions, we will use the information provided here to determine who will receive a grant. In accordance with Section 607.23(b), the Secretary will award up to three (3) additional points based on the information provided here.





Content: On a separate page, provide the following information:


TOTAL 2007-2008 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT (FTE) STUDENTS= ___________


A. Total market value of endowment fund at the end of 2007-2008 $__________


B. Total expenditures for library materials during 2007-2008 $__________


C. Check activities applicant proposes to carry out in application:


a. Faculty Development ____________

b. Funds and administrative management ____________

c. Development and improvement of academic ____________

programs


d. Acquisition of equipment for use in strengthening ____________

management and academic programs


e. Joint use of facilities ____________

f. Student Services ____________


  1. Endowment Fund Assurance – Not Applicable for NASNTI Programs


  1. Cooperative Arrangement Grant – Not Applicable for NASNTI Programs applying under Title III, Part F.




APPLICATION CHECKLIST




Use This Checklist While Preparing Your Application Package: All items listed on this checklist are required.


 Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424)


 Department of Education Supplemental Information for SF 424


 Department of Education Budget Information Non-Construction Programs Form (ED 524


 One-Page Program Abstract – Attached to the “Program Narrative Abstract Form” in e-Application


 Program Narrative Selection Criteria – Attached to the “Program Narrative Selection Criteria” in e-Application


 NASNTI Program Narrative Profile Form – Attached to the “Program Profile Narrative Form” in e-Application


 Program Narrative Activity Budget Form


 Assurances and Certifications – found in e-Application

 Assurances for Non-Construction Programs (SF-424B)


 Grants.gov Lobbying Form (formerly Certification Regarding Lobbying

ED 80-0013)

 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)

 Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants

ED GEPA 427 Form




Paperwork Burden Statement


According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1840- . The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to vary from 20 to 45 hours per response, with an average of 40 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4651. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to (insert program office), U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202.

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